Ponte Colls Chairman Guy Nottingham has spoken about his excitement at the prospects for the team as they get their 2011-12 campaign under way. Writing in the match programme for Tuesday’s night’s win against Nostell, the Chairman said:

“It seems like an eternity since the end of last season, but finally we are under way.

When I sat down with Brendon at the end of last season to review where we were falling short and to plan where we needed to improve, I had one question to ask the gaffer: “what do we need to do to win the league, and pick up a couple of trophies?”

Brendon’s answer came in four parts: (a) retain the key players, (b) recruit the right additions, (c) improve the playing style of the team, and (d) get the right management and coaching team in place.

From that moment to this, it has been a winding – and sometimes rocky – road. Sometimes we have taken backward steps. Certainly, we have made plenty of mistakes, and learned plenty of lessons for future closed seasons – which is hardly surprising, as both the gaffer and myself were novices in the sometimes dark arts of player recruitment and retention. However, we are satisfied with where we have ended up: with a quality squad, built on the foundations of last season, enhanced in key areas.

We are delighted to have retained the services of key players such as Johnny Forsyth, Andy Broadbent, Paul Haigh, Ryan Poskitt, Duncan Bray, Nick Handley, Tom Jubb and the double Player of the Season award-winning Dean Twibey. Lee Kelsey has also signed on a permanent basis, having played one-and-a-half games at the end of last season. I am sure that Lee will play a major role for us this season, both on and off the pitch, as will youngsters such as Warren Redford, Leon Guest and Jack Hill.

In terms of new signings, Brendon highlighted several key areas where we needed to build the squad: left side of midfield, up front and centre half being priorities, whilst also recognising the need to add both experience and steel to the side. Although Liam Ormsby and Greig McGrory are doubtless the “marquee” signings of the summer, the likes of Rob Oldham, Will Ramsey, James McDaid, Tom Robinson, Stephen Edwards, Scott McGrory, Lee Stretton, Mick Walpole, James Hicks and Richard Morris can all play major roles in the team this season and, I hope, for many years to come. It is also great to see young Connor Rollinson back at the club.

I am convinced that the squad now contains the quality, the variety of options, the steel and the experience to mount a serious campaign on all fronts. Competition for places is now fierce, to say the least. And with such a talented group of players in the Academy knocking on the door, the manager has great options at his disposal. I don’t envy him the task of leaving quality players out of the starting eleven every game, particularly as I know that Brendon respects every player under his charge and does not enjoy leaving any of them out.

The other major development for the first team over the summer has been the appointment of a management team to support the gaffer. In Duncan Bray and Nicky Handley, I believe that Brendon has made the perfect appointments. The lads – while still offering much on the pitch – are great influences in the dressing room, excellent coaches, good readers of teams and players, and have proved themselves adept in the recruitment of players. With Ian Burchnall assisting in the coaching and other duties, I am sure that the management team, while slightly unconventional, is the best in the league. It is credit to Brendon that he has chosen to follow his own path in this respect, and I am also sure that the guys will develop their own careers through their roles.

One thing is for certain, and that is that we will face set-backs throughout the season. Although we are aiming for the stars – to win the league at a canter, playing sumptuous football every game and sweeping aside all in our path, we all know that football does not work this way. However, it does not mean that this isn’t what we should aim for. By having a clear vision, firm ambition, and a top quality team – on and off the pitch – I am sure that we will face whatever hurdles are placed in our path with vigour, unity, enthusiasm and intelligence.

Hang on for the ride. It should be fun!

Up the Colls!”